Madonna apologizes for Instagram racial slur

Update Jan. 19: Madonna has issued an apology following the public backlash over her use of a racial slur in an Instagram.com post.

The pop star was bombarded with messages of outrage after posting a picture of her son Rocco sparring in a boxing ring on Friday with the caption, “No one messes with Dirty Soap! Mama said knock you out! #disn—.”

The Material Girl singer deleted the caption on Saturday, and later took to her Facebook.com page to post a statement of apology.

She writes, “I am sorry if I offended anyone with my use of the N word on Instagram. It was not meant as a racial slur. I am not a racist. There’s no way to defend the use of the word. It was all about intention… It was used as a term of endearment toward my son who is white. I appreciate that it’s a provocative word and I apologize if it gave people the wrong impression. Forgive me.”

Original post: Madonna has courted controversy once again after using a racial slur on her Instagram.com page.

The pop superstar uploaded a snap of her teen son Rocco fighting in the boxing ring on the picture-sharing website on Friday alongside the caption, “No one messes with Dirty Soap! Mama said knock you out! #disn—.”

It’s not the first time this month the Material Girl has caused a stir after sharing photos of her eldest son – she came under fire over the New Year when the 13 year old and his pals posed for a snap holding bottles of alcohol.

Critics questioned Madonna’s parenting skills online, prompting her to hit back, writing, “No one was drinking we were just having fun! Calm down and get a sense of humor! Don’t start the year off with judgement!”

Rocco is Madonna’s only child with ex-husband Guy Ritchie. She is also mom to teenage daughter Lourdes, from a previous relationship, and adopted kids Mercy and David.